UK PM Keir Starmer Sacks US Envoy Peter Mandelson Over Jeffrey Epstein Emails

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 16:20 IST

Keir Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US over undisclosed ties to Jeffrey Epstein, revealed in emails, ahead of Donald Trump’s state visit.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked Peter Mandelson as the country’s ambassador to the US due to his association with late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday sacked Peter Mandelson as the country’s ambassador to the US due to his association with late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office: “In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as Ambassador.”

It further said: “The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”

“In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect,” the statement added.

In a statement in the House of Commons on Thursday, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the decision came after the publication this week of emails Mandelson sent to Epstein.

The Guardian cited an email from June 2008, which was not disputed by his spokesperson, Mandelson wrote to Epstein: “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.

“I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain. You have to be incredibly resilient, fight for early release and be philosophical about it as much as you can.”

It continued: “Everything can be turned into an opportunity and that you will come through it and be stronger for it.”

Mandelson’s departure comes as No 10 prepares a state visit for US president Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump had pledged during his campaign to release all Epstein-related records if elected. However, the Trump administration later faced criticism for failing to fulfil that promise.

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